Qianlong Shutong Formula alleviates benign prostatic hyperplasia associated with the regulation of inflammation, fibrosis and the Hippo-YAP/TAZ pathway.

BACKGROUND

Clinically employed for benign prostatic hyperplasia management, the Qianlong Shutong Formula (QLSTF) represents an empirical therapeutic preparation, exhibiting properties of heat clearance, diuretic promotion, blood circulation activation, and nodule resolution. However, its molecular mechanisms in regulating inflammation and fibrosis remain unclear.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to untangle whether QLSTF intervenes in the inflammatory and fibrotic processes of BPH by mediating the Th17/Treg immune microenvironment and the Hippo-YAP/TAZ pathway.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A rat BPH model and an in vivo model of activated prostate fibroblasts were established. The mechanisms of action of the formula were investigated using methods including morphological observation, analysis of fibrosis markers, detection of Th17/Treg marker proteins (IL-17, Foxp3), and expression of key Hippo pathway proteins (YAP, TAZ).

RESULTS

The findings indicated that QLSTF markedly diminished the extent of prostatic hyperplasia, facilitated death of hyperplastic cells, and lowered the expression of fibrosis markers in BPH model rats. Concurrently, it inhibited YAP/TAZ migration toward the nuclear compartment and balanced the expression of Th17/Treg, thereby achieving therapeutic effects against BPH.

CONCLUSION

QLSTF can inhibit inflammatory response and interstitial fibrosis by regulating the imbalance of the Th17/Treg-mediated immune-inflammatory microenvironment and the Hippo-YAP/TAZ pathway. Notably, the observed effects correlate with Hippo-YAP/TAZ pathway modulation, though direct causal mechanistic links require further functional validation.